RELEASE: Breakthrough Institute Statement on EPA’s 2026-27 Renewable Fuel Volume Requirements

Washington, DC — March 27, 2026 — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its renewable fuel volume requirements for 2026–2027 under the Renewable Fuel Standard, setting the annual blending requirements that govern how much renewable fuel must be used in the nation’s transportation fuel supply.

EPA is mandating an unprecedented amount of crop-based biofuels, including corn ethanol and soy-based diesel, distorting fuel and agricultural markets.

“EPA’s 2026-27 renewable fuel requirements double down on a biofuel policy that raises costs for consumers and increases pressure on agricultural land,” said Dan Blaustein-Rejto, Director of Food & Agriculture. “The Renewable Fuel Standard already diverts more than one-third of U.S. corn and nearly half of soybean oil into fuel. Pushing more crops into the biofuel market will make groceries and fuel more expensive at a time when families are strained by surging prices, while also encouraging land conversion.”

The Renewable Fuel Standard, established in 2005, raises food and fuel costs by billions of dollars and has spurred farmers to convert millions of acres of grassland and other vegetation to farmland.

“While the Renewable Fuel Standard raises commodity prices by increasing demand, there are better ways to support farmers,” said Blaustein-Rejto. “If policymakers want to strengthen farm income and rural economies, they should instead expand export opportunities, invest in agricultural research, and support farmers in adopting new innovations. This approach would help farmers become more productive and profitable, producing more with less land, fertilizer, and other inputs.”

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Media Contact:

Dan Blaustein-Rejto

Director of Food & Agriculture

dan@thebreakthrough.org